New test spots pneumonia-causing bacteria in minutes, not hours
Researchers have developed a rapid diagnostic platform that detects Streptococcus pneumoniae directly from patient samples using magnetic nanoparticles and electrochemical sensors. The technology could accelerate treatment decisions and reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing by confirming bacterial infections faster than existing methods.
Originaltitel: Magneto-electrochemical biosensing for pathogen detection using nuclease-responsive nanohybrids
<p>The development of sustainable and highly sensitive diagnostic platforms is critical for rapid pathogen identification and effective disease management. Here, a green, magneto-electrochemical biosensing strategy is reported for the selective detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae based on pathogen-specific nuclease activity. Uniform organic-inorganic hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles were synthesized via an ultrafast UV-initiated emulsion polymerization within 5 min using an eco-friendly approach. The nanoparticles were sequentially functionalized by in situ deposition of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and biomimetic polydopamine coating, enabling robust and high-density immobilization of nuclease-responsive oligonucleotide probes. The resulting PDA@SPION/POSS nanohybrids exhibit controlled size, preserved structural integrity, and strong superparamagnetic behavior, allowing efficient magnetic manipulation and electrochemical signal transduction. Upon exposure to S. pneumoniae, nuclease-mediated probe cleavage produces a pronounced electrochemical response, enabling label-free detection over a wide dynamic range (102-10(8) CFU mL(-)& sup1;) with a detection limit of 102 CFU mL(-)& sup1;. High selectivity against non-target bacteria highlights the specificity of the enzymatic recognition mechanism. This work establishes a sustainable and amplification-free biosensing platform with strong potential for rapid clinical diagnostics.</p>